Mike Trauner
Master Corporal (Retired), Canadian Armed Forces — “Mega Traun”
Mike Trauner served as a master corporal in the Canadian Armed Forces, deploying to Bosnia and Afghanistan. On December 5, 2008, a roadside bomb — two large explosives strapped together — blew him into the air, leaving him with life-changing injuries. He remembers the entire incident.
After months trapped at home, the Invictus Games gave Mike a new goal. Competing in Toronto in 2017 as one of 90 Canadian soldiers, he won two gold medals in rowing — earning him the nickname “Mega Traun.” He went on to train six days a week, trying out for Canada’s Paralympic team in kayak and canoeing.
His wife Leah Cuffe saw the transformation: “He’s got a goal now. He feels like part of a team again — the dark days are gone.” Mike’s story of resilience and renewed purpose is exactly why we ride.
Source: CBC Radio, The Current — Meet Mega Traun, the Canadian veteran who went from a roadside bomb to gold at the Invictus Games
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